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Joe Beef

4.3

4.3

635 Reviews

CAN$31 to CAN$50

Steak

Top Tags:

Old Montreal restaurant classics in the heart of Little Burgundy. An homage to Charles "Joe-Beef" McKiernan, 19th century innkeeper and Montreal working class hero. A drunken crawl away from the Historic Atwater market. Steaks and seafood.

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Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Cuisines
Steak, Seafood
Hours of operation
Dinner: Tuesday - Saturday: 6:30pm - close
Phone number
(514) 935-6504
Website
http://www.joebeef.ca/
Payment options
Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Smart Casual

Location
2491. Notre Dame Ouest, Montreal, QC H3J 1N6
Neighborhood
Griffintown/St-Henri
Cross street
Charlevoix
Parking details
Public Lot

What 635 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

4.3

4.3 based on all time ratings

4.4Food
4.3Service
4Ambience
0.4Value

Noise • Energetic

5
4
3
2
1

635 Reviews

AS
AirSchis
Vancouver
48 reviews
5.0
48 reviews
Dined on November 14, 2013
overall5food5service4ambience3
You need to make reservations well in advance. Very casual place that has retained its original character. Staff are very friendly and will interpret the chalk board menu from French to English. The choices are varied and delicious. Very dark inside and can get loud. The food is outstanding. For an appetizer get the Foie Gras Double Down. You will fall in love with this dish. Lots of great wine to choose from. This place doesn't take itself too seriously which is great. No pretentions here.
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m
midwesterngirl
Chicago
31 reviews
vip
4.0
31 reviews
Dined on November 13, 2013
overall4food5service4ambience3
We went to Joe Beef when visiting from Chicago. What a great restaurant and delicious food! Although we were frustrated with the chalkboard menu -and the fact that it was only in French, we thought the food was worth the hassle. Everthing is fairly pricey, but the oysters were the best we have ever had, my fish dish was incredible, and how can you go wrong with the beef!!!
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B
Bongo
Montreal
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on November 9, 2013
overall1food1service3ambience1
I was highly anticipating our evening at Joe Beef since we had been visiting Montreal from another province. The noise level was very high and both tables on either side of us(tables very close together) were very loud. Mostly, I did not like the fact that the there were no hard copies of the menu. It was posted on a chalkboard which was hard to read because of its location and the darkness of the restaurant. The waiter described the items but because of the noise level I couldn't hear him.Once the food came it was difficult to see what you were eating because of the lack of light. I also found the food not very tasty. All in all it was a very unenjoyable experience. I would not recommend this restaurant to anyone.
1 person found this helpful
T
Tpooh
Montreal
15 reviews
5.0
15 reviews
Dined on November 6, 2013
overall5food5service5ambience5
We were a group of six celebrating Christmas and we all had a fantastic time. My tartelette de caille was absolutely glorious, and the cassoulet was the perfect hearty meal for a snowy winter day. I had so many leftovers and it was just as good for lunch. They were out of Malbecs but the waitress brought us some great suggestions - great detail on her part since I had already made another selection but she wanted to make sure I got something close to a Malbec. As long as they keep up their amazing selections, innovative dishes and courteous service, I will make my reservation as far in advance as is needed!
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s
seeveralynn
Montreal
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on November 5, 2013
overall5food5service5ambience5
Definitly a unique experience. Very expensive but will go back for special occasion.
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R
Rene
Hawaii
5 reviews
3.0
5 reviews
Dined on October 31, 2013
overall3food3service2ambience4
We ordered wine by the glass. First a Chablis. They pour the wine and it tasted good but...not quite like a Chablis. I am not a specialist so I did not say anything. When we ask for more, I asked to see the bottle...It was not a Chablis. The waiter told me that he was out of Chablis and thought he had told us... Lobster pastas: very good lobster, noodle were not «al dente» but half raw...very hard.
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a
alishalou
Sacramento
12 reviews
5.0
12 reviews
Dined on October 30, 2013
overall5food5service5ambience5
Hands down the best meal and dining experience we have had in a very long time. Thank you Joe Beef and Crew for making my husbands birthday very very special. The only downside (to no fault of Joe Beef) was it was our first meal in Montreal on the trip, which made the others in town have ALOT to live up to (and none could beat it)! The service, the atmosphere, the wine, and the FOOD were all Amazing. Go with an open mind. Don't worry if you don't read French. And be totally amazed. Thank you Joe Beef for serving us a fantastic meal and hosting a fantastic dinner for the two of us. It could not have been better (well unless we could have dined here all 4 nites we were in town).
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JK
JoeKing
Montreal
5 reviews
4.0
5 reviews
Dined on October 30, 2013
overall4food4service5ambience4
J'ai bien aimé ce resto..ambiance agréable, service impeccable, liste de vin intéressante, les portions généreuses... Seul bémol... Le prix, aussi lourd pour le portefeuille que les mets pour le foie... C'est très bon, mais très gras.
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Y
Yamiam
Montreal
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on October 29, 2013
overall4food4service4ambience4
Great food, ambiance and very enjoyable experience!
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d
dreamer
Montreal
7 reviews
4.0
7 reviews
Dined on October 22, 2013
overall4food5service4ambience4
This is one very popular place. Couldn't reserve anything back in Aug for an Oct weekend table unless it was after 10 PM. So was only able to reserve a 7 PM on a Tuesday evening. Good thing because it was packed with a line waiting to go in after 9:30 PM on a TUESDAY night!! Never felt rushed, service was spot on. And the food - to die for. I had the Joe Beef, my partner and her friend had the 27 oz (that's right - 27 OZ) beef. Another at our table had the Halibut and the fifth had rabbit. Everyone, to a person, thoroughly enjoyed their meal. I always eat what's on my plate - first time ever had to ask for doggy bag. Yes, it may be a touch pricey, but here, you're getting your money's worth. Already lined up our next reservation!!
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f
fxav125
Philadelphia
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on October 22, 2013
overall5food5service5ambience5
We had the Artichoke with Sturgeon for appetizers which was excellent. Good flavor and not too overpowering. The horse entree was even better- very lean and tender enough to cut with a butter knife. The flavors were outstanding! The Pumpkin Pie ice cream was very good as well. We never had to ask for more water or anything. The service was on the spot and the waiter was very knowledgeable and friendly and made sure we were having a good time.
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C
Cami
Montreal
3 reviews
4.0
3 reviews
Dined on October 18, 2013
overall4food4service4ambience3
The food was very good, but I was expecting a little bit better from the tortelli entre and the perdrix dish. The porc dish was great as well as the horse tartar. The pumpkin desert was also good. The service was great but overall I had a better elsewhere
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S
Sunshine
Montreal
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on October 18, 2013
overall3food5service2ambience2
We had wanted to try this restaurant for a while now, and when we finally booked the date we were quite excised we are a group of real foodies and love the famous tavern style food; I even have their recipe book that I find brillant. Yet, after trying this restaurant once it's sad to say that I will not be going back. The food was amazing and the flavors were definitely great. To make it short.... The chalkboard menu was not pleasant couldn't read it and had people next to our table taking pictures all night. The after dinning experience was really what made us decide it wasn't worth coming back to experience the food again. They rushed us out so much/fast I didn't get to grab my jacket and my to go plate. What a shame!
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S
Sean
Las Vegas
2 reviews
vip
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on October 17, 2013
overall5food5service5ambience5
I eat out a lot. I have eaten in some of the world's finest restaurants. I have also never left feedback via open table before, because I typically do not find it necessary, even after a good experience. But Joe Beef warrants feed back. While it is hard to rank a dining experience, this was EASILY in my top 3. I have never experienced such incredible service, to go with the most amazing food. The staff went above and beyond to ensure that my group had the night of our lives (and we did).
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WB
WonderfulBirthday
Seattle
59 reviews
vip
5.0
59 reviews
Dined on October 17, 2013
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great service and delightful experience! Loved it!
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K
Kelly
Montreal
14 reviews
vip
5.0
14 reviews
Dined on October 16, 2013
overall5food5service5ambience5
We made our reservation on OpenTable nearly three months in advance. We were not disappointed. The food was amazing and the restaurant, while small, had a great feel to it. Great for a special occasion. Save your pennies (okay, nickels) and treat yourself. You WON'T be disappointed!
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FL
FoodLover
Montreal
6 reviews
3.0
6 reviews
Dined on October 16, 2013
overall3food3service3ambience2
Having waited nearly three months for our Saturday night reservation, I must say our high expectations were just not met by Joe Beef. I understand the menu changes daily due to ingredients sourced but surely there is a better way for patrons to access the menu than a big blackboard at the entrance- the restaurant could invest in some paper copies or even supply a link to an online menu. Although the food was obviously gourmet, it was too over the top for my liking- too rich and finicky. The service was fine, not outstanding. Overall, I have no desire to return and would not recommend waiting the length of time it takes to get in to others- there are plenty of more outstanding restaurants ahead of Joe Beef in Montreal!
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MB
MannyB
Montreal
2 reviews
1.0
2 reviews
Dined on October 5, 2013
overall1food2service1ambience1
Comment for Open Table: For the Noise Level review, need an option "too loud".
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JB
JoeBloe
Montreal
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on October 4, 2013
overall3food2service2ambience4
It was a bad night I guess, ordered the rib steak for two...was overcooked..given the standard of the restaurant, this was a huge disappointment
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A
Angiebr
Montreal
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on September 28, 2013
overall4food5service5ambience4
I am still thinking about it a week later!!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Montreal
17 reviews
5.0
17 reviews
Dined on September 27, 2013
overall5food5service5ambience4
Was looking forward to it and Joe Beef did not disappoint.
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SC
SeeCatEat
Houston
10 reviews
vip
4.0
10 reviews
Dined on September 27, 2013
overall4food4service3ambience4
Joe Beef was recommended to me a few times before my trip and I'm glad we got a reservation. The blackboard-only menu was in French but our waiter was very helpful. The food was adventurous and very good.
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CB
CarlBergeron
Montreal
4 reviews
2.0
4 reviews
Dined on September 27, 2013
overall2food4service1ambience1
I have been waiting for 2 months to get a table for 4 at the famous JB. So i finaly got a spot and went. What a disappointement. I had the steak Monsieur. Very very good. My wife and her friend had the steak Madame...the cooking was poor. It seems like her steaks has boiled. You know the kind of greyish color on a piece of meat!!! They did not know who ordered what! Ouch!The waiter was not very good serving our plates. And For dessert. I am pretty sure the pears in my Poire Belle-Helene came from a can :-((( It may have been a bad day at the office for Joe Beef's crew that day...But, i hope that they are not resting on their Lauriers. You have to keep the good job guys. I have heard so many good thing from people who went before me. Cheers
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A
Andy
Vancouver
32 reviews
vip
4.0
32 reviews
Dined on September 26, 2013
overall4food1service2ambience2
Seems as though Joe Beef has gone downhill with quality and service from my experience and other diner reviews. Pros: innovative dishes, fun environment, Cons: heavy hand on the salt, poor service, dim lighting - can't. See your food, restaurant ventilation poor OVERRATED , can't waste anymore time to review this place.
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MJ
MrJQ
New Orleans
7 reviews
3.0
7 reviews
Dined on September 25, 2013
overall3food2service3ambience2
The concept is great and the place is obviously popular. Unfortunately the menu is nearly impossible to read on the chalkboard from 1/2 the seats in the restaurant. My steak (ordered medium) came out rare (raw in the middle). Our server was caught up with her separate tables and couldn't check back. By the time we got her attention we were done. She offered to heat it up but it was too late. No follow up from a chef or manager. The place is hip and for the adventurous eater. Flavors of everything were great. Just missing attention to detail
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JL
JL84
Orlando
71 reviews
vip
4.0
71 reviews
Dined on September 25, 2013
overall4food4service3ambience3
We came here with very high expectations and left having enjoyed a good meal, but the experience could be better. In the tiny cramped dining room the only menu is on a chalkboard & people are constantly having to get up and hover over you. The staff is of little help, and the menu is in only French. It's Montreal, but there are a lot of foodie/trendy descriptions that escape the non-Quebecois French speaker. Ask for English descriptions and the reaction which specific thing do you want translated. The atmosphere was cool, the food was very good (better lapin et moutarde than in France). The whole experience was a bit frustrating though, and I dare say not unique as such. Couples around us were having the same audible experience.
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M
Mirabelle
Montreal
7 reviews
4.0
7 reviews
Dined on September 25, 2013
overall4food4service4ambience4
everything was amazing (food, cocktails, service) till the bill: the waiter brought it to us without even asking if we were ready or not and if we wanted it separated or not. he brought only one and seemed very upset when we asked for separate bills!
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s
strayrebel
Montreal
12 reviews
4.0
12 reviews
Dined on September 23, 2013
overall4food5service5ambience4
you cant go wrong with Joe Beef. The servers are all incredibly knowledgeable and the food is outstanding. What more can you ask for? Just go. Sometimes its hard to get a reservation (up to 2 months ahead of time) but dont be discouraged.. call the day of, and you'll be surprised how often you can still get a table.
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E
Econ1
Montreal
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on September 21, 2013
overall5food5service5ambience5
I went in with an open mind as I had read a few mixed reviews, mostly related to value. I found the ambience, food, and service to all be very good. Yes, it was not the least expensive restaurant around but I felt that the food quality, presentation and experience did justify a premium. I will go back.
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A
Annitrip
Montreal
12 reviews
4.0
12 reviews
Dined on September 19, 2013
overall4food4service5ambience4
Joe Beef is always worth the experience. Great menu and options. We just picked the wrong dish this time for our liking but everything else was wonderful.
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V
Vero
Montreal
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 14, 2013
overall4food5service4ambience3
Service is always good, food is just fantastic. This time, I found it particularly loud as we had difficulty hearing each other at the table, had to shout and could barely hear the server. Also, we waited outside for a half an hour before we could be seated. I understand people cannot be kicked out, but by 10 pm we were soooo hungry! I guess the great food made up for the wait ;)
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V
Vippolove
London
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 12, 2013
overall5food5service5ambience5
The great choice of music brought my experience to another level. The waitress was very nice and knowledgeable of her menu. We were lucky to see and seat close to one of the chef and owners.
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A
Audrey
Montreal
4 reviews
4.0
4 reviews
Dined on September 12, 2013
overall4food4service5ambience3
If you want to give our self a treat. It's the place to go. Far from being calorie-wise, it's still absolutely delicious. Tables are close one from another. Menu on the wall makes it difficult to see at night, but waitress are fabulous.
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b
bfunk08
Calgary
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 11, 2013
overall5food5service5ambience5
This is my 2nd dining experience at Joe Beef. I make an effort to reserve a table whenever I'm in town. The restauraunt has a great ambiance to it, the servers very helpful and the food amazing. Deffiently one of the best restauraunts in Montreal.
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D
Dave
Pittsburgh
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on September 11, 2013
overall5food5service5ambience5
After having read so much and having seen this restaurant on Anthony Bourdain's "Parts Unknown" and an earlier "The Layover", this dining spot was for us a destination on our trip to Montreal. It would have been easy to have set the bar too high on expectations and then be disappointed. Not so, with a capital N. The experience was everything we expected and more. The kitchen and staff all receive the highest marks we could give; friendly, attentive and fun. The food was amazing, the foie "double down" and the Magret du Canard to name two of the several dishes we tried. We were seated outside on the patio, which was lined with rows of fresh herbs and veggies the restaurant uses. We hold the highest respect for the food and the staff.
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S
Swimmama
London
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on September 3, 2013
overall5food5service4ambience4
We were repeat customers but we finally brought our 15 and 18 year and just like us, they loved it! The food was amazing, the music that night (mostly 80's music, we're gen X so perfect for us) was amazing, the ambiance was great. The kids loved it, it was a great night!
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MT
MTLdiners
Montreal
7 reviews
vip
2.0
7 reviews
Dined on August 30, 2013
overall2food2service4ambience3
Table of 4 - Lamb, steak and lobster pasta were ok - nothing overly special. Better finds elsewhere. Double down was excellent. Wouldnt go back.
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GM
GlennMTL
Montreal
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on August 30, 2013
overall5food5service5ambience5
Don't you just hate going to a restaurant that was hyped up but didn't live up to its expectations? Well, Joe Beef isn't one of those places. It is by far one of the best tables in Montreal. Great fare, with an emphasis on seasonal products, including fresh vegetables from their own garden. The meat and fish selections are outstanding and of the most exceptionnal quality. The service is attentive and friendly, with great wine pairing suggestions. Go now! You will not regret it.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
4 reviews
vip
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on August 30, 2013
overall5food5service5ambience5
Being an adventurous eater I was eager to try Joe Beef and had heard a lot of buzz around the place. The service was above and beyond what we expected, as our server offered to read the whole menu to us since the menu was in French and we only speak English. He was attentive throughout the night and made great recommendations for our meal. The double down appetizer was one of the best dishes I ever tasted. It was a fried foie gras sandwich with bacon and cheese melted in between the patties. My husband had the horse wrapped in bacon, and I had the lobster pasta. Both dishes were very tasty and our only regret was that we did not have room to try dessert. I will definitely be back any time I am in Montreal.
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M
Mu123
Toronto
18 reviews
5.0
18 reviews
Dined on August 29, 2013
overall5food5service5ambience3
We had a great time. Our server and her recommendations were both incredible.
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FAQs

Joe Beef is rated 4.3 stars by 635 OpenTable diners.

Not available on OpenTable

Unfortunately, this restaurant is not on the OpenTable reservation network.

If you like, we'll notify you by email if this restaurant joins.

Is this your restaurant?

Claim this listing

Google Map for Joe Beef

2491. Notre Dame Ouest, Montreal, QC H3J 1N6

Additional information

Cross street
Charlevoix
Neighborhood
Griffintown/St-Henri
Hours of operation
Dinner: Tuesday - Saturday: 6:30pm - close
Cuisines
Steak, Seafood
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Smart Casual
Parking details
Public Lot
Payment options
Mastercard, Visa

Website
http://www.joebeef.ca/
Phone number
(514) 935-6504

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